16 Gorgeous Places to Visit in Darjeeling

Darjeeling, the beautiful hill station that was once the summer resort for the elite of the British Raj, has remained a holiday destination for tourist from India as well as around the world.

Famous for its scenic beauty and varieties of tea, the city is also well endowed with ancient architecture, artefacts and rich in culture and history. If you are visiting, be sure to check out our picks of the 15 places to visit in Darjeeling that are amazing for tourists to explore.

Places to visit in Darjeeling

1. Batasia Loop

One of the most picturesque rail routes you can possibly find anywhere in the region, it is made even more enchanting by the fact that the locomotive is a toy train that runs over this thousand square foot ecological garden.

The garden is covered in wildflowers with a view of Darjeeling and the amazing Kanchenjunga peak. This is easily the best way to enjoy the city’s natural beauty.

• Distance from city centre: 4 kilometres
• Tips: Try the samosas at the nearby snack stalls

2. Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda

A short drive from the city centre, located amongst the hills of the Jalapahar Area in Darjeeling, the famous Japanese Temple and Peace Pagoda are must-visits spots if you are in the city.

Built in the 1970s and open to everyone, regardless of faith, the Pagoda has been made with the intention to promote peace and harmony among all religions and its peoples. Vehicle access has been restricted lately so be prepared to walk up a little from the entry point.

• Distance from city centre: 4 kilometres
• Tips: Go between 4:30 am and 6:30 am or 4:30 pm and 6 pm to participate in chanting and prayers

3. The Rock Garden

A short drive, about 10 kilometres from the city centre, the Rock Garden is also known as Barbotey Garden, is a uniquely designed nature park. The rock surfaces here are cut out at various levels to form benches for seating and the amazing array of flowers and birds will capture your interest.

A huge attraction for visitors, the road to the place is not great but well worth the journey considering the short distance.

• Distance from city centre: 10 kilometres
• Tips: The waterfall is amazing to see during the monsoons

4. Nightingale Park

Formerly known as The Shrubbery, this once private courtyard had been renovated and reopened in 2011 to the public. The extensive work completed here took four years and has transformed the once dilapidated garden into an amazing and beautiful tourist hot spot.

A huge statue of Shiva along with a musical fountain, manicured gardens and the fresh mountain air make this magical place a must-see location.

• Distance from the city centre: 2 kilometres
• Tips: Visit the Himalayan Mountaineering Institute nearby

5. Nehru Road

If you are in Darjeeling and happen to be looking to buy some souvenirs or gifts, then head down to Nehru Road. Here you will find various handicrafts such as engraved gems, pendants, carvings and other trinkets made locally, and, of course, there is a multitude of local teas to choose from – something the region is famous for.

• Distance from the city centre: In the heart of the city
• Tips: Open throughout the day, head there before sunset

6. Chowk Bazaar

Head to Chowk Bazaar near Hill Cart Road and indulge in some shopping, especially woollens, as well as some superb local street food. Shopping at Chowk Bazaar is not only good for a bargain but also an experience of the local culture.

• Distance from the city centre: In the heart of the city
• Tips: Open throughout the day, head there before sunset

7. Himalayan Mountaineering Institute

Recognized as one of the leading institutions in its field, The Himalayan Mountaineering Institute in the hill station city of Darjeeling has been a support to adventurers from across the globe hoping to scale the Himalayas.

A great place to get an insight to the equipment and skills needed to conquer some of the highest peaks in the world, the institute also offers a mesmerizing view of the Kanchenjunga amongst other interesting activities.

Distance from the city centre: 3 kilometres

Tips: With having trained over 50 thousand students, there’s no better place to get certified

8. Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park

Also known as the Darjeeling Zoo, this major tourist attraction was setup in 1958 and named after the governor of West Bengal, Padmaja Naidu. A haven for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts, the park is recognized world over for its breeding and conservation programs.

Catch a glimpse of some rare species such as the Asiatic black bear, barking deer, macaws and leopards, to name a few.

• Distance from city centre: 3 kilometres
• Tips: Summer months see a lot of animal and bird activity as well as more greenery

9. Observatory Hill

The climb up Observatory Hill, in the Mall area of Darjeeling, may not be everyone’s cup of tea but once at the top, the panoramic view of the hill station makes it all well worth it. Atop the hill, you will find the Mahakal Temple and numerous places to sit and take a break along the way.

The steep 20-minute climb to the top my take your breath away along with the view but this religiously significant site will leave you refreshed with its serenity and beauty.

• Distance from city centre: 2 kilometres
• Tips: Head back before sunset as it can get dark and the path is not perfect

10. Ghoom Monastery

Built in 1850, and one of the oldest monastery in Darjeeling, the Ghoom Monastery, also known as the Yiga Choeling monastery. A famous place for visitors as well as locals, this place is of serious religious significance in the area.

The beautiful architecture of the temple as well as the ancient relics, mega statues and artefacts make a visit here more akin to a museum tour.

• Distance from city centre: 8 kilometres
• Tips: This place charges for taking pictures and videos that goes towards upkeep

11. Bhutia Busty Monastery

The Bhutia Busti translated means Bhutia Colony, and this monastery has had quite a turbulent history has been through war and natural disaster; the monastery now stands on an all new location downhill from Chowrasta Mall in Darjeeling and has been safely located there since it was rebuilt after the earthquake of 1934.

The place is a treasure trove of religious and cultural artefacts; the amazing painting and idols are mind-blowing and a must see if you are in Darjeeling.

• Distance from the city centre: 2.5 kilometres
• Tips: Meet the monks as they have invaluable information about the region

12. Happy Valley Tea Estate

At an altitude of over 6500 feet, the Happy Valley Tea Estate has a sprawling 450-acre property, with some of the world’s finest teas being grown here. The second oldest tea estate in Darjeeling, you can take a guided tour of the beautiful plantation and try many varieties of the world’s favourite hot drink.

A shop on the estate is the ideal place to buy different teas to take home or gift to others after all, Darjeeling is famous for it.

• Distance from the city centre: 2 kilometres
• Tips: Book a tour of the estate before you go

13. Darjeeling Ropeway

Easily one of the best ways to view the picturesque and manicured tea landscapes, rolling hills and snow-capped mountains, the Darjeeling Ropeway or cable car is the oldest in the nation and at 7000 feet, one the highest too.

Built in 1968, this tourist hot spot is a major attraction all year round. Be sure to take a ride in one of the cars for an experience of a lifetime.

• Distance from the city centre: 3 kilometres
• Tips: Make sure to carry your camera

14. Bengal Natural History Museum

Located within the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park complex, the Bengal Natural History Museum has a fascinating collection of over 4000 exhibits. From local birds, butterflies, reptiles, insects, fishes and animals to flora and fauna, and even the geological exhibits of various rocks and minerals in the region.

The museum is both fun and educational. Originally started as a botanical garden, the place has grown over the years into a full-fledged centre for natural history and science.

• Distance from the city centre: 3 kilometres
• Tips: Be sure to visit the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park next door

15. Tiger Hill

Easily the most famous and visited attraction in Darjeeling, Tiger Hill stands at an elevation of almost 2600 meters and is the highest point in the region. Overlooking the snow-capped the eastern Himalayas, access is easy by road and takes no more than 45 minutes to get here.

Once you reach, continue your adventure with some great trekking trails here. Head here in the summer and enjoy nature’s bounty at its best.

• Distance from the city centre: 10 kilometres
• Tips: Take the trek to Phalut from this point

16. St. Andrews Church

A prominent example of the colonial era in India, the St. Andrews Church in Darjeeling is a major attraction for tourists. Originally built in 1843 and later rebuilt in 1873, the church was damaged in a massive earthquake but still stands.

It is home to scores of ancient religious artefacts such as marble tablets, brass plaques, paintings and statues amongst other historic items.

• Distance from the city centre: 2 kilometres
• Tips: Visit during the morning or afternoons when there’s plenty of light

Great hiking activities, fantastic tours, amazing history, beautiful architecture, delicious food and lots of shopping; with so many places to visit in Darjeeling, you will never be bored.